Local update on preparations for potential Coronavirus cases
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KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – As Governor Kate Brown today convened a Coronavirus Response Team in preparation for response to the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, Klamath County Public Health (KCPH) met with community stakeholders and regional partners to strengthen local plans.
“The State of Oregon is awaiting test results for two more individuals,” said Dr. Wendy Warren, KCPH health officer. “It could be Tuesday before we have more information, but be assured Public Health is monitoring the situation at the local, state, national and international levels.”
Warren noted that the Oregon Health Authority has indicated that test results from CDC can take up to five days when the laboratories are not busy. The national laboratories have yet to be overwhelmed. There are only 59 cases of COVID-19 in the United States, as of today.
“Public Health sent local clinics and medical providers updated protocols from the state and CDC Thursday and is sending a testing algorithm to them today,” said Warren. “They are also sending out community education and information announcements today, too.”
KCPH launched a new web page, publichealth.klamathcounty.org/coronavirus, to help community members stay informed of updates. Information is refreshed each day, with international case counts and other timely facts. There are also fact sheets and posters available for download and useful web links.
“The most valuable information the community should have is to call their clinic before coming, if they have a fever and flu-like symptoms,” said Warren. “By taking some precautions, we can help everyone stay healthy.”
“Also, it cannot be repeated enough: wash your hands, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home when you are sick,” Warren emphasized. “People also need to take care of any pre-existing conditions and eat a balanced diet to keep all forms of illness at bay.”
KCPH is in daily contact with the Oregon Health Authority and its regional Public Health partners to ensure the health and safety of southern Oregon.
Press release provided by Klamath County Public Health.
[Editors Note] Valerie Lane, Program Coordinator for the Klamath County Department of Public Health will be a guest on Ask Klamath Wednesday, March 5, 2020, and will be discussing the Coronavirus.